Alabama Probate Judges Association

The Alabama Probate Judges Association has dramatically reversed course in the fight for marriage equality in Alabama.

That judges' group now says gay couples may apply for and be given marriage licenses once the hold is removed from a federal order overturning Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage. The Probate Judges Assocation was previously encouraging Alabama's probate justices to deny marriage licenses for same-sex couples as long as possible.

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore says he's concerned that the recognition of same-sex marriages will lead to the recognition of marriages with multiple partners or marriages within a family.

Moore spoke out after sending a letter to the governor saying a ruling by a federal judge in favor of a same-sex couple in Mobile is not binding on Alabama's probate judges. He says he's encouraged by the Alabama Probate Judges Association advising probate judges to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.